“Having” without “to have”

“Having” without “to have”

Manx doesn’t use a separate verb for “to have.” Instead, it expresses possession with prepositions: something is on you or with you.

• Ta’n ennym orrym = The name is on me → “My name is …”
• Ta thie aym = There is a house with me → “I have a house”

It may feel unusual at first, but this pattern shows up all the time in Manx. Thinking literally on me (orrym), with me (aym) helps you get used to how the language frames possession and qualities.